Thailand — Elephants, Temples, & Tuk Tuks with Zory Mory & Henry Wu

Meet Your Guides: Zory Mory & Henry Wu

Hi everyone! I’m Zory (@zorymory), a designer, photographer and content creator. I’m originally from Bulgaria with a background in Visual Design (print, illustration, advertising) for over 13 years. My work takes me all over the world and I’d love to share some of that with you! I'll be guiding this trip alongside Henry Wu (@humminglion), a travel, portrait, and lifestyle photographer based in San Francisco. From navigating insane rush hour traffic in Hanoi via motorbike to watching Caribbean baby turtles hatch under the full moon, Henry loves conveying the emotion of the moment through his lens.

Day 1: Chinatown Street Life

Summary:
After everyone arrives in Thailand, we’ll spend some time meeting getting to know the group, and going over the itinerary. Once situated, it's time to hit the town and explore the neon lit signs of Chinatown at after dark.

Photo Spots:
Yaowarat Road, Chinatown

Activities:
Photography of neon signs and street life, exploration in Chinatown, and some amazing food at a locals-only restaurant.

Afternoon:
Get situated into your hotel room and unwind from a long day of travel while meeting the group and going over the plan for our epic week.

Evening:
Head out to explore the bustling streets of Chinatown, which come alive at night with exotic sights, sounds, and smells.

Lodging:
Hotel in Chinatown

Food:
People come from all over the world to eat the amazing food in Chinatown, and we'll be dining at a secret, locals-only spot.

Day 2: Temples of Bangkok

Summary:
Today, we'll take a boat ride on the famous Chao Phraya River. Afterward, we'll explore around and photograph three of the most famous temples in Bangkok.

Photo Spots:
Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Wat Po, Chao Phraya River, Chinatown

Activities:
Exploration and photography at Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Po. More exploring around Chinatown at night.

Morning:
After breakfast, head out for a boat ride to the breathtaking Old City via Chao Phraya river. We'll spend the morning photographing the ancient Grand Palace and Wat Po, both intricate and colorful temples.

Afternoon:
The next temple on our list is the mystical Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn. We'll grab lunch in the area and shoot to our heart's content.

Evening:
After a busy afternoon, we'll hang out for a while at the hotel with some one-on-one time for photography questions and editing tips. After that, it's back to Chinatown for Thai street food and exploring.

Lodging:
Hotel in Chinatown

Food:
Thai street food

Day 3: Traditional Floating Markets

Summary:
Wake up early to meander through two of the most unique markets in Thailand. One, a market on an active railroad and the other a traditional floating market. Afterward, we'll head back to Bangkok for an incredible rooftop sunset view over the city.

Photo Spots:
Maeklong Train Market, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, rooftop bar

Activities:
Experience the wackiness of a live market that actively operates on a train track, and the rich colors of the floating market. End the day with some of the best views of Bangkok, high above the city.

Morning:
Early wake up call to hit the Maeklong Train Market before the crowds.

Afternoon:
Experience a bygone era while walking through the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. You're bound to get some unique photographs today!

Evening:
After a day of immersing ourselves in the ways of historic Thailand, we'll take in the modern skyline of Bangkok with a rooftop sunset view high above the city.

Lodging:
Hotel in Chinatown

Food:
Traditional Thai market food

Day 4: Temple Ruins & Thai Massages

Summary:
First thing in the morning, we'll hop on the train to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand and home to a UNESCO heritage site. Remember the movie Mortal Kombat, from the arcade game in the 90’s? It was filmed here! Then head back to Bangkok for a well-deserved Thai Massage.

Photo Spots:
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, Wat Phu Khao Thong, Wat Phutthaisawan, Wat Phra Mahatat, Ayutthaya Historical Park, Wat Phra Ram, Wat Phra Si Sanphet

Activities:
Go back in time while exploring the ancient city of Ayutthaya and it’s beautiful temple ruins. After a full day of exploring, reward yourself with one of the best Thai massages in Bangkok.

Morning:
After breakfast, we'll take a gorgeous train ride to Ayutthaya. Take in the sights along the way, and once there, marvel in the ancient Khmer and Siamese temple architecture.

Afternoon:
We'll take a break for lunch, and then continue our exploration of Ayutthaya and the temple ruins.

Evening:
Unwind with a traditional Thai Massage, and a mouthwatering dinner in New City Bangkok.

Lodging:
Hotel in Chinatown

Food:
Dinner at a hip spot in New City Bangkok

Day 5: Jungles of Chiang Mai

Summary:
Catch a morning flight to Chiang Mai - the northern capital of cool. Once landed, we'll head straight to the jungles and stay at an eco-resort run by a close friend of ours. You’ll learn about the plight of the Burmese refugees and the mission of the eco-resort to educate and empower vulnerable refugee women. All while taking photographs and making friends with the friendly elephants that live there!

Photo Spots:
Intimate setting with elephants in the jungle, playing in the river, and the breathtaking scenery around the property

Activities:
Playing with elephants, feeding them, bathing them, and photographing them in their natural habitat. There will also be options for rafting, trekking, and other outdoor activities.

Morning:
Early wake up call for our quick flight to Chiang Mai. Afterward, we'll drive to the Chai Lai Orchid eco-resort in the jungle.

Afternoon:
Wasting no time, we'll jump right into playing with elephants the elephants. If you'd like, you can also go river rafting, hike, or take photos around the property.

Evening:
Relax by a fireside hangout with members of the staff and refugees.

Lodging:
Chai Lai Orchid eco-resort in the jungle

Food:
Amazing meals at the eco-resort

Day 6: Elephants, Temples, & Markets

Summary:
Today, we'll enjoy more time with the elephants or you may choose to take part in any of the outdoor options on offer at the eco-resort. In the afternoon, we'll head out to Chiang Mai to explore some of the temples and one of our favorite markets — the Sunday Walking Market.

Photo Spots:
More photos with elephants, hidden photo spots around the jungle, Chiang Mai Temples, Sunday Walking Market

Activities:
Time at the eco-resort with elephants, rafting, or any of the outdoor activities on offer. Explore a bit of Chiang Mai — we lived here for over a year, and will show you some of our favorite temples, hangout spots, and night markets.

Morning:
Spend our last hours at the eco-resort. Bye, elephants!

Afternoon:
After leaving the eco-resort, we'll explore the temples and secret hangout spots of Chiang Mai.

Evening:
Catch the Sunday Walking Market, a famous and bustling night market that showcases the art and craftsmanship of the Northern Thai people.

Lodging:
Hotel in Chiang Mai

Food:
Thai food at our favorite spots in Chiang Mai

Day 7: Flight over Chiang Mai

Summary:
Breakfast and some exploration in Chiang Mai, then we'll catch a flight back to Bangkok in the early afternoon. Say your goodbyes and head back home from the Bangkok airport.

Photo Spots:
Chiang Mai temples and cafes

Activities:
We'll have breakfast together, explore a bit more of Chiang Mai, and reminisce over the many photos taken this week.

Morning:
Soak in the last morning of our trip with a few more photo spots in Chiang Mai.

Afternoon:
Catch a flight to Bangkok, share our photos and say our final goodbyes!

Evening:
Flight back home

Food:
Thai food in Chiang Mai cafes

WHERE WE'RE GOING
Bangkok
Chinatown
Ayutthaya
Chao Phraya
Old City
Chiang Mai
Thailand

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
Thailand has a very special place in our hearts! We met there, lived there, and even after relocating to San Francisco kept going back to get our fix of magical temples and delicious food. What better place to teach you our photography tips and tricks?! Here's a sampling of what you'll learn:

Travel, lifestyle, and portrait photography tips
Tips on DSLR and mobile phone photography
Photo composition
Finding your light
Using exposure correctly
Editing tips
Social media strategy
Don't have a camera besides your smartphone? No problem. Shoot & edit on whatever device you want!

WHAT'S INCLUDED
5 nights in a hotel (prices based on double occupancy)
1 night in a luxury eco-resort (prices based on double occupancy)
Entrance to all activities
Transportation to/from airport
Transportation around Thailand
Round trip airfare from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Photography and editing lessons
Discount on Moment Gear
20% off listed price for first 4 travelers
3 great meals per day (except breakfast on day 1 and dinner on day 7)

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Airfare to and from Thailand
Alcoholic Beverages
Guide gratuities
Insurance of any kind
Breakfast on Day 1
Dinner on Day 7